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WIU Students Arrested on Hazing Charges

The Macomb Police is reporting the arrest of five Western Illinois Students as part of a hazing incident that occurred on May 2nd, 2014.

On May 2nd, 2014 the Macomb Police Department along with the McDonough District Hospital and Macomb Fire Department responded to 301 N. Johnson Street in reference to an intoxicated male subject there. Officers and medical personnel found a male subject there who was unresponsive and was in need of medical attention. It was later determined that the subject had a dangerously high blood alcohol level and as a result was experiencing a life threatening medical condition. The subject was taken to MDH where he was later admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Investigation by the Macomb Police Department and the Office of Public Safety determined that the subjects’ condition was the result of a hazing incident involving the Western Illinois University Rugby team. During the hazing incident new team members were made to consume large amounts of alcohol in a very short time span. During the incident the victim passed out at the residence. Another subject at the residence later called for medical assistance due to the worsening condition of the victim.

As a result of the investigation arrest warrants were issued for seven individuals. The charges for the arrest warrants were hazing and providing alcohol to minors. The hazing charges are misdemeanor charges. Arrested on 05/08/2014 was:

Lucas A. Sgarlata age 23 of Sycamore, IL.

Aidan T. Belcher age 21 of Elgin, IL

John Landes age 24 of Sycamore, IL

Bradley C Basala age 19, Matherville, IL

Jack S. Lord age 20, Naperville, IL

Two more team members are being sought on arrest warrants for the same charges. Authorities do not believe these subjects have fled Macomb due to the arrest warrants. Authorities believe that these subjects have gone home after the end of the semester. Bond for each person was set at $2,000, 10% to apply.